Heart Bypass Surgery in India: Costs,Top Cardiologists, and Hospitals

About the Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a type of an open heart surgery that intends to improve the flow of blood to the heart. It involves the placement of a coronary artery bypass graft, which is retrieved from a healthy artery in the body, and placed in the position of the blocked portion of the artery that supplies blood to the heart. CABG surgery is a complex, yet common procedure.

A waxy substance called plaque may deposit in good amount in the coronary arteries of the heart over a period of time. As time advances, the plaque starts hardening and eventually ruptures and breaks open. The plaque interferes with blood flow as arteries grow narrow at the affected region. A blood clot develops when the plaque ruptures. The artery may get blocked completely is the size of the clot is big enough to stop the flow of blood to the heart. This may eventually lead to serious events such as heart attack and also put the individual at the risk of death.

The person may experience chest pain and discomfort when the heart is deprived of rich oxygenated blood This pain is referred to as angina. Breathlessness and fatigue are some of the other problems associated with coronary heart disease.

How does CABG improve the heart condition

Coronary artery bypass surgery aims at improving the overall blood circulation to the heart. A part of healthy artery or vein from another part of the body is taken and is grafted or connected to the blocked coronary artery for bypass. This artery or vein goes around the blocked portion of the coronary artery and establishes a new path for the blood to flow to the heart, thus reducing the chance of a heart attack. In a single surgery, surgeons can bypass multiple coronary arteries. Severe blockages can be treated with this procedure.

CABG is conducted when there are one or two blockages in the artery. High risk CABG is conducted when there are multiple blockages in the artery and the blood flow to the heart is severely restricted.

How is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) performed?

How is Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed?

There are two approaches to conduct CABG – open heart surgery and laparoscopic bypass heart surgery. The latter is a type of minimally invasive heart bypass surgery, which involves the creation of smaller incisions. This results in minimum discomfort and complications and allows for faster recovery and healing.

Laparoscopic bypass heart surgery is mostly preferred when there is not much blockage in the coronary artery. Open heart surgery, on the other hand, is conducted in complicated cases. High-risk CABG is mostly conducted as an open heart surgical procedure.

The selection of a particular approach, however, depends on a number of factors, including the overall health of the patient and the experience of the surgeon. CABG involves the use of general anaesthesia. Typically, an incision down the middle of the chest is made by the cardiac surgeon. He then uses a saw like instrument to access the breastbone or the sternum. This cutting of the middle of the sternum is referred to as median sternonomy. During CABG, the heart has to be first cooled with iced salt water. Along with this, a preservative solution has to be injected in the arteries of the heart. This procedure is referred to as cardioplegia, where damage is minimized due to reduced blood flow to the heart during the surgery.
A cardiopulmonary bypass must be established before a bypass surgery can take place. To channelize venous blood out of the body, plastic tubes must be placed in the right atrium. A membrane oxygenator, which is like a plastic sheeting, is employed to channelize it to the heart lung machine.
The oxygenated blood is then returned to the body. To allow the bypass to connect with the aorta, the main aorta is cross clamped during the surgery. This maintains a bloodless field. Saphenous vein from the leg is the commonly used as coronary artery bypass graft.
Beyond the narrowing of the vessel or the coronary artery, the graft vessel is sewed to the coronary arteries. The other end of the grafted vein or vessel is made to attach with the aorta. Nowadays, chest wall arteries or more specifically, the internal mammary artery is used as a coronary artery bypass graft.
The artery is then separated from the wall of the chest to connect to the left anterior descending artery. It can also be connected to one of the major branches which is beyond the blockage.
Internal mammary arteries have an advantage over venous grafts. The former remains open for a longer period of time. The percentage of being open in the case of venous grafts is around 66 percent, while for internal mammary arteries it is 90 percent.
The aorta must be clamped off for 60 minutes while the body is supported by cardiopulmonary bypass. The use of 3, 4 or 5 bypasses has grown very common. At the end of the surgery, the sternum is wired together with the help of stainless steel while the incision made in the chest is sewn. Plastic tubes are kept undisturbed to allow any blood drainage from the region around the heart. The chest tubes are removed right after surgery along with the breathing tube.

Recovery from Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) Recovery

Patients are transferred to the ICU right after the surgery and shifted to the patient ward a day later. Heart rhythm disturbances are discovered in 25 percent of the patients within a period of 3 or 4 days after the surgery. They are temporary atrial fibrillations associated with surgical trauma. Such patients respond well to standard medical therapies.

They can be weaned within a period of a month after the surgery. From one week to one day, the range of stay in the hospital may vary from one patient to the other. Young patients are usually discharged within two days. The recovery time can be very long and the range of physical activities must be kept to a minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you go for Heart Bypass surgery in India

Bypass surgery in India, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), is conducted on patients with severe coronary heart disease (CHD) or coronary artery disease (CAD). The surgery is conducted to improve the flow of blood to the cardiac muscles. The area of obstruction is bypassed to restore the normal blood flow.

There are many reasons why one should prefer to undergo heart surgery in India. Some of these reasons include the following:

Internationally accredited hospitals
Highly experienced cardiothoracic vascular surgeons (CTVS)
Availability of the latest technology and techniques to conduct heart surgery
Minimally invasive heart surgery
State-of-the-art facilities
Experienced and skilled supporting staff
Reasonable cost
Conducive environment for recovery

Bypass surgery in India is popular across the world. Each year, many patients from the Middle East, African countries, and Asian countries travel to India to get the surgery done. Some of the best cardiologists in India are globally renowned for their skills and experience in the field and hold a great success record.

What are the best cities for CABG Treatment in India

Some of the best cities to get CABG treatment in India done include Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune. Delhi and Mumbai, in particular, are very popular for heart surgery in India. This is because of the presence of a number of options in terms of internationally-accredited hospitals where patients can opt to get the surgery done.

Also, these metropolitan cities have all types of facilities that an individual from abroad may need. These include interstate transport network, availability of Cabs such as Uber and Ola, fair-priced hotels, foreign exchange facilities, and multicuisine restaurants.

Additionally, some of the best cardiologists in India practice in these cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are connected to all major cities and countries in the world through direct and indirect flights.

What is the cost of Heart Bypass Surgery in India

Bypass surgery cost in India starts from approximately 4000 USD. As it can be seen, the cost of bypass surgery in India is quite competitive and fairly-priced. In fact, it is one of the best in the world and much less as compared to other medical tourism destinations such as Thailand, UAE, and Singapore.

The bypass surgery cost in India is less as compared to other countries despite the fact that it offers similar quality of care and medical treatment. India is globally renowned as one of the most advanced countries when it comes to medical technology and treatment.

However, there are several factors that control the overall heart bypass surgery cost in India. Some of these factors include the following:

The choice of city
The choice of hospital
Experience and qualifications of the surgeon
Anesthesia fees
Any complications involved
The approach used to conduct the surgery
Number of days at the hospital
Unforeseen expenses

What are the top hospitals and surgeons for CABG in India

There are many internationally-accredited hospitals that conduct bypass surgery in India. Some of these hospitals are located in the top cities for bypass surgery in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.

Some of the best hospitals for CABG in India include the following:

Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi
Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram
Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Global Hospital, Mumbai and Chennai
Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune
BLK Superspecialty Hospital, New Delhi
Max Superspecialty Hospital, New Delhi
SevenHills Hospital, Mumbai
Sri Ram Chandra Medical Center, Chennai

The best cardiologists in India are globally renowned for their skills, experience, and success rates. A majority of cardiac surgeons in India are trained and educated at some of the most premier medical institutes in the world. They attend conferences, seminars, and training around the year to keep themselves updated as per the changing and latest technology in the field of cardiac treatment.

Some of the best heart surgeons in India include the following:

Dr. GK Mani, Max Superspecialty Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Naresh Trehan, Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram
Dr. Suresh Joshi, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bengaluru
Dr. B Bhaskar Rao, KIMS, Hyderabad
Dr. Manoj Agny, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Bengaluru
Dr. Purshottam Lal, Metro Hospital, Noida

Is CABG in India successful

The success rate of CABG in India is one of the best in the world. The current success rate of CABG is estimated to be around more than 95 percent in India.

The high CABG success rate in India can be attributed to the quality of treatment and the skills and expertise of the performing surgeons. India is a globally-renowned for its brigade of cardiac surgeons, a majority of whom are trained from abroad. They remain abreast of the latest technology in the world of cardiac treatment.

However, how successful bypass surgery will actually depend on several factors, including the following:

How efficiently it was conducted
The overall health of the patient
Complications involved
Post-surgical risks

All in all, a cardiac bypass is a safe procedure. However, the experience and skills of the surgeon performing the surgery playsa main role in its success.

What is the health care infrastructure of India / Why should opt for India as a destination for your medical treatment?

India is a large country with a rapidly expanding system of healthcare. Like many other countries, there are public and private hospitals in India. This also includes healthcare at three levels.

The primary level of healthcare includes Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres.
At the secondary level are District Hospitals and smaller Sub-District hospitals. These are the first referral units, mostly from the primary healthcare centres.
Finally, the top level of health care provided is the tertiary level, which consists of Medical Colleges and Specialized Hospitals.

Since India boasts of housing a large number of people, the requirement for good healthcare and treatment in India is always there. And this also means prompt delivery of the service. Most of the treatment in India has to be offered at reasonable costs to enable people of all classes to access it. Hence, you can be assured that this country will be a great destination for your medical treatment whichever hospital in India you wish to choose.

What are the conditions of the hospitals in India? Are they JCI certified? What is the quality of the support staff in the hospitals?

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is a global leader in health care accreditation. JCI accreditation is considered a gold standard in worldwide health care. It provides the most skilled and experienced healthcare professionals in the medical industry, as evaluators of the rigorous international standards in healthcare quality and patient safety.
Here are some JCI certified hospitals in India:

Fortis Escorts Health Institutes, Delhi
Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Bangalore
Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
Apollo Hospital, Chennai
Sri Ramachandra Medical Center, Chennai
Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital, Kerala
Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi
Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
SevenHills Hospitals, Mumbai
Apex Heart Institute (A Unit Of TCVS Pvt)
Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata.
Fortis Hospitals Ltd, Mulund, Mumbai
Narayana Multispeciality Hospital Jaipur (A Unit of Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd.)

Hospitals in India are ever-changing to accommodate more people with up to date technology. Hospitals in India also attract patients from other countries because of their diverse range of services. Apart from allopathy and conventional treatment procedures, the government of India, along with the hospitals in India also promote alternative medical treatment options like Ayurveda, homeopathy, and yoga. All in all, you will find great options for any kind of treatment in India.

Are the doctors/surgeons in India of the best quality?

Doctors and surgeons in India have to get through examinations and continue to uphold the standard of education that is provided to them. Since doctors get exposure to various patients during their course, they are able to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Therefore, one can rely on the doctors of India for their medical services.

What is the process for obtaining a medical visa in India?

The e-Medical Visa for India is an online travel authorization for foreign nationals who wish to seek medical treatment in the country. A medical Indian visa allows the holder to enter the country 3 times.

The e-Medical visa is a short term visa granted for medical treatment reasons. This type of visa is only granted to the patient and not to their family members.

Foreign nationals can acquire an India e-Medical visa by filling in an online application form. This simple process can be done from the comfort of the traveler’s home or office, avoiding a trip to an embassy or consulate.

Applicants must submit their basic personal information, including their full name, nationality, and date of birth. They must also provide a contact email address and phone number as well as their passport details. Finally, some security questions must be answered.

The form is quick and easy to fill out. The approved India medical visa is then delivered to the applicant’s email address within a few business days.

What support services does MediGence provide in India?

MediGence enables you to plan and manage your medical decisions better. These are some of our services offered:

Expert Opinion
We help you seek an Expert Opinion on your diagnosis and treatment from an experienced team of doctors at MediGence and specialists from a reputable hospital.
Hospital Recommendation
We recommend a hospital or a healthcare institution that is best suited for you, based on your ailment and its criticality.
360-degree Hospital Review
We give you a transparent and holistic view of the hospital and its infrastructure, accreditation, facilities, and expertise to give you confidence.
Doctor Validation and Communication
We share a comprehensive profile of the treating doctor and also arrange a call to clear queries regarding treatment if needed.
Options to Choose From
Based on your choice of destination and other preferences, we provide you multiple options with respect to hospitals and doctors to choose from.
24X7 Patient Care Support
A dedicated patient case manager stays in constant touch with you to help you at every step of the decision-making process and resolve queries that you may have.
Transparent Treatment Cost and Other Expenses
We give a clear and accurate indication of the total cost of treatment including treatment, stay, meals, and other expenses.
Visa Assistance
We provide and help prepare documentation for visa approval and coordinate with the embassy to expedite the visa process.
Accommodation Arrangements
We propose to you a choice of accommodation based on your preference such as long stay, short stay, or luxury properties.

Which are the best cities in India for medical treatment?

India is a beautiful country spread across the vast expanse of the Asian subcontinent. Most of the metro cities have hospitals, in India, with varying levels of infrastructure. Depending on your need and medical service, you can visit your choice of city.
The capital of India is Delhi and has many renowned hospitals like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Max Super speciality Hospital Fortis Hospitals, etc.
Other cities offering effective medical care include Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. These cities come under some of the major metro cities of India.

Heart Bypass Surgery Cost in India

Heart Bypass Surgery in India

Treatment and Cost